Page 14 of Wagon Train Song
Petey laughed and rolled over on his back to look at the man.
Joe hunkered beside Petey, broke off a blade of grass, and ran it across Petey’s face, eliciting giggles. The guide looked up, saw Marnie watching, and pushed to his feet. “Time to move.” He stepped away from the baby. “Mrs. Woods, if you continue on the road, we will reach another town in five miles.” His gaze shifted to Bertie who sat nearby, his pets surrounding him. “Or we could cross this river and follow an old less-used trail.”
Marnie studied the water that ran deep and swift. A tingle started at the base of her spine. But this river wouldn’t be the only one they must conquer.
“It’s best if we avoid towns. Take us to the old trail.”
Murmurs of agreement rose from her girls. Gabe watched without comment but tipped his head to indicate he agreed. Not that she needed his agreement. She’d been clear that she’d make the decisions on this journey. But when did she start feeling more comfortable with the three Miller men accompanying her? When did she admit that their presence could be a help?
The oxen lowed as they were brought back to the wagons. Petey squealed with delight as Hazel scooped him up. Harnesses rattled as they set out. For half an hour, they followed the river as trees crowded closer.
Joe lifted his arm to signal them to stop. “We cross here. I’ll go first to check it. Then I’ll come back and guide you over.”
He rode his horse into the water, angling upstream. The current flowed around him with barely a break in its rush. The water deepened, rose to his stirrups. He lifted his feet to keep them from getting wet and lowered them once the water grew shallower again.
He reached the other side, then rode back. “Easy crossing.”
Joe rode at the head of the team pulling the first wagon with Hazel, Petey, and Louise. He clicked his tongue to make them move while Walt rode on the other side to ensure the oxen didn’t swing off course. Water veed around the wheels, and drops splattered the canvas top.
Louise called out, “Hiyah.”
A wheel dropped into a deep spot, and the wagon dipped.
Marnie gasped and closed her eyes.Lord, keep them safe. Keep them safe.
“They’re across.”
Gabe’s reassuring voice made her jerk her eyes open. When had she grabbed his arm? Her face burning, she stepped away.
He grinned. “I don’t mind having my arm in a vise.”
She sniffed. “You could pretend not to notice.”
The man had the nerve to guffaw, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Pa?” Cecil sounded amused.
Irene studied her mother, no doubt noticing her burning cheeks. Then grinning, she followed Ruby’s wagon across the stream. Bertie rode in the back, his arms around Alice’s neck.
“Guess you’ll have to ride in my wagon.” Gabe waved his hand in a courtly gesture.
Too late for Marnie to board one of the other wagons. Now, she had no choice but to accept his offer unless she wanted to wade. Which she most certainly did not.
“There must have been something in that food.” She made no attempt to hide her annoyance.
“Oh, what makes you say that?” He held out his hand to help her climb up.
She only half graciously accepted his help and settled herself on the hard wooden bench. “Because everyone is acting strangely.”
“Or maybe they’re just enjoying themselves.” He hitched himself up beside her.
She hadn’t expected that and forced herself not to slide away. “Who’s going to drive the oxen?”
“My sons. Why do you think I brought them along?” Smirking, he pointed to them, one riding on either side of the team.
They entered the stream. Water sloshed around the wheels.
She gripped the bench hard enough to cramp her hands.
